Expansible underreamer trip



Dec. 1, 1931. R M 1,834,335 I EXPANS IBLE UNDERREAMER TRIP Filed Jan. 5, i928 I 3% I I I N V EN TOR. Ea/ana Gran? BY 7.7mm 772L441 ATTORNEYS ROLAND mum, on

Patented Dec. 1, 1931 WHITTIER, Gama-mm, ssIGNOR, BY MESNE JOHN GRANT, or rosnnennns, CALIFORNIA v ExPANsIBLE UNDERREAMEE TRIP Application filed Januar 3.192s. Serial Ila 244,125.

This invention relates to a-trip for holding two longitudinally movable members against movement and actuable by flu1d pressure to release said members. 7 v v In tools for Well drllling operation havlng work performing members expansible and collapsible by manipulation of the tool, it'is desirable to set and maintain the tool partsin v collapsed position and to release them for eX pansion at a selected time. Thus, it is desirable to run such a tool into the bore hole, and, when the pos tion for expansion has been attained, to release the expansibleparts. This invention appertains to a tool wherein fluid is applied to the tool and wherein pressure is caused to be exerted by the fluid, there being a trip mechanism arranged tobe operated so as to release the expansible part actuated H by fluid pressure. A specific application of 20 theinveution is e'mbodiedin an underreamer having cutters for expansion and collapsion- The present invention contemplates usefin a tool provided with a body having expansible work performing members, such as cutters,

an expander relatively movable in the body in an. axial direction to expand and collapse said cutters, means for urgingthe expander relatively into position for expanding sa d n cutters, and a novel trip mechanism to re strain the expander from its relative'movement lnto cutter expanding positlonzand op-- era-ble by circulation fluid; An underreamer embodying these features is disclosediherein. The objects of this invention are first, to

'3 provide a tool of the character described with a catch to retain the parts in collapsed condi-.. tion and actuable by fluid pressure to release thesame for expansion; second, to'provide a tool of the character described used in hydraulic boring of holes, with trip mechanism actua-ble by initiation of fluid circulation; and third, to provide details of struc ture,whereby a strong, durable tool of few parts and easily assembled is obtained.

Other objects and advantages will be mad fully apparent from the following specification considered in connection With'the accompanying drawings, in which:

' Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section through a 7 fragment of an expansibleunderreamer em-.

tion through a fragment of the underreamer showing parts in expanded position and Fig. 5 is a section as seen on the line 55 of Fig. 1. Referring more particularly to the'drawings, the body is shown as comprising a shell- 6 reduced in diameter at the upper end and externally threaded. A bore 7 extends lengthwise of'the tool and at the lower end com;- municates with a passage 8. The lower end of the tool indicated by 9 serves for connec tion to a bit, not shown, and forming no part of the present invention. The body is lon-v gitudinally. slotted for. accommodation-of: roller cutters and their mounting. Lower pin blocks 10 are pivotally mounted on the body in the slots so that they may be swung inwardly. and outwardly of the body. Upper pin blocks 11 are provided, and between the blocks and journalledtherein are shafts or pins carrying sets of rollers 12. The blocks are connected to the wedge end 13 of a stem slidable longitudinally with respect to the body. Tenon and. mortise connections are provided between the Wedge and the blocks. The construction is such that when the wedge is at its lower position, thecutters willbe in their expanded or outer' position, and when the wedge is in its upper position, the cutters will beincollapsed position. The exact construction of the cutters, the wedge and their mounting thereon is not pertinent to the present invention. It is sufficient that there is a i stem relatively slidable within the'body.

The wedge is provided with a circulation passage 14 and at the upper end has a threaded tapered socketto'receive the pin 15 on an intermediate portion ofthe stem.

' This intermediate portioncomprises a pin having a flanged head 16 and is provided wlth acirculation passage which communi-' 1 cates with the passage 14 and forms. acontinuation thereof. ,An intermediate portion 17 has abore to slidably receive the head "16 issremvrnnms, at;

. of thei'pinand is threaded atthe lower end panded.

16 and the lower wall of the intermediate member, in which is placed a packing ring 19. This may be of rubber. At the lower end of the bushing 18 is a wear ring 20. The construction is such that a swivel connectionis provided between the wedge and the intermediate portion of the stem. The upper end of the intermediate portion is enlarged in diameter to provide a flange 21 arranged to engage against the top portion of the body. A threaded'box is provided at the upper end of the intermediate portion and secured therein is the pin end of the stem shank 22. The upper end of the stem has a threaded pin to which may be attached a sub 23 for attachment to the drill pipe. A bore 24 extends through the shank and communicates with corresponding bores in the sub and in the intermediate portions. Thus the stem unit is provided with a continuous bore. On the periphery of the shank are keys 25 serving to engage corresponding key-ways in a spring sleeve. Extending longitudinally of the shank is a trip key or catch cavity 26, which is open to the bore through a slot 27.

Mounted over the body portion 6 is a spring sleeve 28 forming an extension of the body and having a chamber shouldered at the upper end as indicated by 29. Key-ways 30 are provided at the upper end of the spring sleeve to receive the keys 25. Thus the stem is splined to the body. Within the sleeve abutting the shoulder 29 and the head 21 on the stem is a compression spring 31. The construction just described is such that the spring 31 tends to retract the stem relatively into the body and tends to move the body and the cutters upon the stem. In this retracted position, the cutters would be ex- In the position shown in Fig. 1, the stem is projected from the body, the cutters being in collapsed position.

To retain the stem in its collapsing position, a trip mechanism is provided. This comprises a trip key or catch 32 which is disposed in the cavity 26 and bears against the upper end wall thereof. The key is so mounted in the stem that it may be projected laterally and there is a shoulder 33 on the key for engaging the upper end of the body sleeve 28. When so engaged it acts as a strut and will restrain the body against relative upward movement on the stem, it being urged in the latter direction by the compression spring 31. WVithin the bore 2 1 of the stem shank is a sleeve 34:- This sleeve has a bore extending through it so that circulation of fluid will be uninterrupted. A set screw 35 maintains the sleeve 34:. in position. The trip sleeve is transversely slotted as at 34a and pi-votally mounted in the slot onpivot 36a. is a trigger 36 having a flap portion arranged to be disposed across the bore in the sleeveand a finger 37 which may engage the key 32.

' against the shoulder 33.

The underreamer is kept in collapsed position by placing the trigger 36 across the bore in the sleeve so that the finger 37 engages the key to hold the latter in its outer position. The stem will have been withdrawn from the body suflicient so that the key rests Immediately upon the initiation of fluid or slush circulation, the flap will be acted upon so as to swing the trigger 36 inwardlytopermit the passage of the slush. This releases the strut catch 32.

v The shoulder 33 is inclined so that the catch will ride over the shoulder and inwardly to clear the body. The spring 31 exerting pressure to cause 'thismovement' and move the body upwardlyon the stem so as to expand the cutters.

. It will be noted that the construction of the stem is such that upon rotation of the tool the torsion is taken by the keys 25 engaging the body. The wedge. is free to swivel and is not affected by the rotational elforts.

This application is, in its claimed subject matter, generic to two co-pending applications filed on even date herewith and bearing Serial Numbers 24,126 and 2441:,127; each of which carries claims to mutually distinct improvements over this application. In the present application certain claims include broadly the body and stem member relatively movable and broadly the trip mechanism. The first mentioned application is directed to an improved type of trip mechanism; the second mentioned to a different type of mechanism for causing relative longitudinal movement of body and stem.

What I claim is 1. An expansible underreamer comprising a body and a member longitudinally urgeable with respect to each other, the member having a passage for fluid extending thereinto, and a slot leading from the passage through the member wall, a catch mounted to restrain said member against relative movement in the urged direction; a trigger mechanism for retaining said catch in restraining position including a sleeve mounted in said passage, said sleeve having a transversely extending slot, a trigger trip pivotally mounted in said sleeve slot to be swung across the passage and having a finger for projection through said member slot whereby fluid pressure in said passage will tend to swing said trip in a direction longitudinal of said passage, said finger being arranged so that when transverse of said bore it engages and retains said catch in restraining position and when longitudinal of said bore it releases said catch.

2. An expansible underreamer comprising a body and a relatively longitudinally urgeable member movable therein having a passage extending therethrough for fluid and a slot leading from the passage through the member wall; a catch mounted on said member to engage asurface on said body and restrain'said member against relative movement,

in the urgeddirection; atrigger mechanism for retaining said catch in restraining posi-'= tion including a sleeve mounted insaid passage, said sleeve having a transversely extending slot, a tri ger trip pivotally' mounted in said sleeve slot to be swung across the borewhen disposed transverse of said bore it en-' gages and retains said catch in restraining I position and when longitudinal of said bore it-releases said catch.

3. An expansible underreamer comprising.

a body having a longitudinally extending bore, a relatively longitudinally urgeablei member movable in said bore having a passage extending therethrough for fluid, means for urging said member relatively longitudinally in said body, a longitudinally extending key-way in said member 5 a catch key mounted in said way with one end supported by an end of the wall ofsaid Way and the other end disposed to engage an opposing surface on said body when. in: projected positlon so as to restrain said member against movement in the urged direction andto release said key when in retracted position so as to clear said surface and release said member; and atrigger for retaining said catch inprojected position operable by pressure of fluid in said passage to release said key.

l. An expansible underreamer comprising a body having a longitudinally extending bore, a relatively longitudinally urgeable member movable in said bore having a pas-' sage extending therethrough for fluid, means for urging said member relatively longitudinally in said body, a longitudinally extending key-way in said member; a catch key mounted in said way with one end supported by an end wall of said way and the other end dis-' posed to engage an opposing surface onsaid body when in projected position so as to restrain said member against movement in the urged direction and to release said key when in retracted position. by clearing said surface to release said member; and a triggerfor retaining. said key in projectedposition dis posed at said catchand movable by pressure of fiuid thcrein to release said key.

5. An eXpansible underreamer comprising.

a body having a longitudinally extending bore, a relatively longitudinally urgeable member movable in said bore having a passage extending therethrough for fluid, means for urging said memberrelatively longitudi nally in said body, a longitudmally extendlng key-way in-said member; a catch key mounted in said way with one end supported by an end wall of said way andthe other end disposed to engage an opposing surface on said-body -when in projected position so asto restrain said member against movement in theurged direction and to releasesaid key 'when'in retracted position so as toclear said surface and release said member, and a trigger for re.- taming said key l'npro ected-positlon plvotally supported'atsaid member and disposed across said passage to be moved by pressure of fluid therein.

.6. An ,expansible underreamer comprising a" body having longitudinally extending bore, a relatively longitudinally urgeable member in said bore having a passage extending therethrough forfluid and a slot leading from the passage through the member walls, means for urging said member rela-' tively longitudinally in said body, a longi-' tudinally extending key-way in said member a catch key mounted in said'way with one end supported by an end wall of said way and the other end disposed to engage an opposing sur-' face on said bodywhen said member is disposed in projected position so as torestrain said memberagainst movement in the-urged direction and to release said key when inre-= tracted position so as to clear. said surface and release said member; a trigger mechanism.

for retaining said key in projected position.

including a sleeve mounted in said passage, said sleeve having. a transversely,extendingslot, atrigger trip pivotally mounted on said sleeve to be swung across the bore'thereof and having a finger for projection through said member slot into engagement with said key to retain the latter in projected positionand' movable byv fluid pressurein said bore to be swung into longitudinal position to release said key. Y x

7. An expansible underreamer comprising a tubular bodyportion, a hollow stem longitudinally movable in the bore of said body and projectable beyond the same, means for urging said stem relatively into said body, there being an outer shoulder at the endof said body and a cavity in said stem; a catch key accommodated in said cavity-with one end supported by an end wall of said cavity and the other end transversely projectable to engage said shoulder when in outer position and clear said shoulder when ininnerposition; and a trigger for retaining said catch-in projected position operable by pressure of fluid in said passage to release said key.

' 8. An expansible underreamer comprising tubularibody portion, a hollow stem longitudinally movable in the bore of said body and projectable beyond the same, means for urging said stem relatively into said body, there being an outer shoulder at the end of said body and a cavity in said stem; a catch. key accommodated in said'cavity with one end supported by an end wall of said cavity and the other end transversely projectable to engage saidshoulder when in outer position;

and clear said shoulder when in inner position; and a trigger for retaining said key in projected position disposed at said passage and movable by pressure of fluid therein to release said key.

9. An expansible underreamer comprising a tubular body portion, a hollow stem longitudinally movable in the bore of said body and projectable beyond the same, means for urging said stem relatively into said body, there being an outer shoulder at the end of said body and a cavity in said stein; a catch key accommodated in said cavity with one end supported by an end wall of said cavity and the other end transversely projectable to engage said shoulderwhen in outer position and clear said shoulder when in inner )osition' and a tri ger for retainin said ke 7 by D body and projectable beyond the same, means for urging said stem relatively into said body, there being an outer shoulder at the end of said body and a cavity in said stem and a slot leading from the cavity to the stem bore; a catch key accommodated in said cavity with one end supported by an end wall of said cavity and the other end transversely proj ectable to engage said shoulder when in outer position and clear said shoulder when in inner position; a trigger mechanism for retaining said key in projected position including a sleeve mounted in said passage, said sleeve having a transversely extending slot, a trigger trip pivotally mounted in said sleeve slot to be swung across the bore thereof and having a finger for projection through said stem slot into engagement with said key to retain the latter in projected position and movable by fluid pressure in said bore to be swung into longitudinal position to release said key.

11. An expansible underrcamer comprising a tubular body portion, a hollow cutter projecting stem relatively telescopically movable into the bore of said body and projectable beyond the upper end thereof, spring means within said body and about said stem urging said stem relatively into said body, there being an outer shoulder at the end of said body and a longitudinally extending cavity in said stem; a catch key accommodated in said cavity with one end supported by an end wall of said cavity and the other end transversely projectable to engage said shoulder when in retracted position; and a trigger for retaining said key in projected position disposed at said passage and movable by pressure of fluid therein to release said key.

12. An expansible underreamer comprising a tubular body portion, a hollow cutter projecting stem relatively telescopically movable into the bore of said body and projectable beyond the upper end thereof, spring means within said body and about said stemurging said stem relatively into said body, there being an outer shoulder at the end of said body, and a longitudinally ex tending cavity in said stem; a catch key accommodated in said cavity with one end supported by an end wall of said cavity and the other end transversely projectable to engage said shoulder when in outer position and to clear said shoulder when in retracted position; and a trigger for retaining said key in projected position disposed at said passage and movable by pressure of fluid therein to release said key.

18. An expansible underrcamer comprising a tubular body portion, a cutter projecting stem relatively telescopically movable into the bore of said body and projectible beyond the upper end thereof and having a fluid passage, spring means within said body, and about said stem urging said stem relatively into said body, there being an outer shoulder at the end of said body and a longitudinally extending cavity in said stem; a catch key accommodated in said cavity with one end supported by an end wall of said cavity and the other end transversely projectable to engage said shoulder when in outer position and to clear said shoulder when in retracted position; and a trigger for retaining said key in projected position pivotally supported by said stem and disposed across said passage to be moved by pressure of fluid therein.

14. An eXpansib-le underrcamer comprising a tubular body portion, a hollow cutter projecting stem relatively telescopically movable into the bore of said body and projectable beyond the upper end thereof, spring means within said body and about said stem urging said stem relatively into said body, there being an outer shoulder at the end of said body, a longitudinally extending cavity in said stem, and a slot through the stem. wall; a catch key accommodated in said cavity with one end supported by an end wall of said cavity and the other end transversely projectable to engage said shoulder when in outer position and to clear said shoulder when in retracted position; a trigger mechanism for retaining said key in projected position including a sleeve mounted in said passage, said sleeve having a transversely extending slot, a trigger trip pivotally mounted in the sleeve slot to be swung across the bore thereof and having a finger for projection through said stem slot into engagement with said key to retain the latter in projected position, and movable by fluid pressure in said bore to be swung into longitudinal position to release said key.

15. In a tool of the character described, a

hollow cutter carrying body withcutter receiving slots in its wall, cutters movable in and out in'the body slots, a cutter expanding stem entering the body at one end, the body and stem being relatively longitudinally movable, the stem ending within the hollow body, and having a circulation passage leading through it and delivering at the stem end directly into the body interior behind the cutters, and the body having a circulation passage leading from its hollow interior on to its other end for delivery to a tool attached there, whereby the circulating fluid on its way through the body and stem comes into contact with the cutters.

16. In a tool of the character described, a hollow cutter carrying body with cutter receiving slots in its wall, cutters movable in and out in the body slots, a cutter expanding stem splined in the body for relative longitudinal movement and including a cutter ex panding wedge rotatively swivelled to the splined part of the stem, all whereby the cutters may be contractedand expanded by relative longitudinal movement between the body and stem and whereby rotary movement may be transferred from the stem through the body to the cutters and no rotary strain is transferred to the cutter through the wedge. 17. In a tool of the character described, a

hollow cutter carrying body with cutter receiving slots in its wall, cutters movable in and out in the body slots, a cutter expanding stem splined in the body for relative longitudinal movement and including a cutter expanding wedge rotativ-ely swivelled to the splined part of the stem, the cutters backing up against the wedge and being dovetailed thereto, all whereby the cutters may be contracted and expanded by relative longitudinal movement between the body and stem and whereby rotary movement may be transferred from the stem through the body to the cutters and no rotary strain is transferred to the cutters through the wedge.

18. A rotary tool of the character described comprising a hollow body; work performing members projectable and retractable with respect to said body; a longitudinally urgeable expander for said work performing members mounted in the bore of said body including a stem for rotating said tool, an expander head swivelled to said stem and engaged with said work performing members to project and retract the latter, and coupling means securing said stem to said body to provide for longitudinal movement and to restrain rotation in relation to one another and take, the torsional strain of rotating saidtool.

19. A tool of the character described comprising a hollow body; work performing members projectable and retractable with respect to said body; a longitudinally urgeable member for said work performing members mounted in the bore of said body including a stem, an expander head'swivelled-to said stem and engaged with said-work performing members to project and retract thelattencoupling means securing said stem to said body to provide for longitudinal movement and. to 'IQSt-IEtlll rotation 1n relation With-011B an other;'anda trip mechanism to restrain said stem and body against longitudinal move-- -ment in the urged direction. p 20; rotary tool of the character described comprising a hollow body having slots in the peripheral wall thereof, work performing members proj'ectable and retractable through said slots; a longitudinally urgeable tubular expander for said work performing members mounted in the bore of said body including a stem for rotating said tool, said stem havmg a socket, an expander head having a pin disposed 1n said socket to provide-a swivel connection, packing for said pin and socket said head being engaged with said work per-' forming members to project and retract the latter, coupling means securing sald stem to said body to provide for longitudinal movement and to restrain rotation in relation to one another, and to take the torsional strain of rotating said tool.

21. A tool of the character described comprising a hollow body having slots in the peripheral wall thereof, work performingmembers projectable and retractable through said slots; a longitudinally urgeable tubular. expander for said work performing members mounted in the bore of said body including a stem having a socket, an expander head having a pin disposed in said socket to provide a swivel connection, packing for said pin and socket, said head being engaged with said work performing members to project and retract the latter; means securing said movement and to restrain rotation in relation to one another; and a trip mechanism to restrain said stem and body against longitudinal movement in the urgeddirection.

22. A rotary tool of the character described comprising a hollow body having slots in the peripheral wall thereof, work performing members projectable and retractable through said slots, a longitudinally urgeable tubular expander for said work performing members 'mountedin the bore of said body including a stem having a socket, an expander head having a wedge end, said work performing members being mortised to the inclined face members projectable and retractable with re- L stem to said body to provide for longitudinal 'speot to said body, an expander for said Work performing members associated with and longitudinally movable relative to the body, said expander including a stem for rotating the tool, an expander head sWivelled to the stem and engaged With the Work performing members to cause their expansion and contraction, and coupling means securing the stem to the body to provide for relative 1ongitudinal movement and to restrain rotation V in relation to one another and take the torsional strain of rotating the tool.

In Witness that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto subscribed my name this 5th day of December, 1927.

' ROLAND CRUM. 

